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THOUGHTS IN VERSE 


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'V>vaa_ EDITH LEWIS 


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t'Sssza 

£ Ts 

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Copyrighted 1923 
by 

EDITH LEWIS 


©C1A759225 

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OCT “3 19.23 



DEDICATION— 


To the sacred and beautiful memory 
of my beloved children, 

I dedicate these thoughts in verse. 


“Why seek ye the living among the dead? 
He is not here, but is risen.”—Luke 24: 5-6. 




CONTENTS. 


Page 


Message of the Flowers. 1 

The Father’s Love.2 

I Wonder?.4 

True Nature.5 

At the Crossroads.6 

Rest in Work.8 

What is Death?.9 

The Perfect Day.10 

Star of Bethlehem.11 

A Child’s Faith.12 

A Mother’s Love.13 

To Her Memory!.14 

To the Church.15 

What Can I Do Today?.16 

Dreams.17 

Lines to a Friend.18 

By the Sea.19 

A Still Small Voice.20 

True Substance.21 

Supposed to be from my Children . . . . 22 











Golden Silence . 

Thou Lone Star 
The Saviour’s Message . 
The Perfect Concept 

Acrostic. 

Be Still and Know . 

The Five Senses 

The Cactus and the Rose . 

The New Old Story 

Our Refuge. 

Our Daystar. 

My Vision. 

The Awakening .... 
Father, I Thank Thee! . 
Truth’s Reappearing 
Having Eyes, Ye See . 
Song of the Cuckoo 
A True Shepherd . 

Eternity. 

Acrostic. 

Supplication . 


Page 

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25 

26 
28 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

36 

37 

38 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

48 

49 





































I 


* 


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Go forth little book, the world is wide, 

For all there’s a message of cheer, 

May it meet some need, some starved heart feed, 
Is my true and earnest prayer. 



Message of the Flowers 


Primroses gold on a bed of green. 

Dear yellow hearts, centered in white; 
Waft your fragrance sweet and clean, 

O er meadows by you made bright. 

Pansies of purple, your royal dress, 
Velvet and soft as the dove, 

Bring us a message of tenderness, 
Breathing of joy, health and love. 

The sunflower rears its stately head. 

Its orange hues glint in the sun, 

It proudly grows in its verdant bed. 

Its love work is never done. 

The beautiful rose with heart of pink, 

Soft as the tint of a shell, 

And roses of red; they form a link 
As together in love they dwell. 

A word of the lily on slender stem, 
Clothed in its garment of white, 

A crown of pure love its diadem, 

The masters praise, its might. 

Roses are here, bud and blossom are there, 
Rich growth in abundance is everywhere, 
All are expressing God’s wonderful care 
For the flowers. 


1 


The Father’s Love 


When the birds shall cease their singing 
And the sun shall cease to shine, 

When the stars forget to glisten 
And nature reflect the divine; 

When our world is left in darkness 
And faith begins to decline, 

When man stands alone; then only, 
Will His love cease to be mine. 


But the birds will never stop singing 
And the sun will always shine. 

For God lives on, yea forever. 

And man reflects the divine, 

So I will rejoice and be grateful, 

For all that’s of Thee, and Thine, 

I rejoice that I always must be, 
While the Father’s love is mine. 


But there is a land that is brighter 
Where the sun does not need to shine, 
Where angel birds always are singing 
With songs that are wondrous, sublime, 
Where joy crowns each weary seeker 
And life reflects the divine, 

Where our loved ones wait to greet us, 
(This world will some day be mine.) 


2 


Oh, world of eternal sunshine, 

Where grief or sorrow or pain 
Can never darken its portals, 

Nor shadow its peaceful reign, 

Where Love stands ready to welcome. 
And harmony reigns sublime, 

Where death is unknown, and loss is gain, 
For the Father’s love is mine. 


3 


I Wonder? 


I wonder if she knows, that in this world of dreams. 
Where life appears so very real, altho not what it seems. 
We still are striving longingly to reach the higher goal, 
Where to is life eternal, salvation for the soul. 


I wonder if she knows, that while for love’s dear sake 
We wear a smile of gladness, our longing hearts do ache; 
For sin and sorrow still delude, and error tries to mock, 
But Christ our sure foundation is, our shelter and our rock. 

I wonder if she knows, that still we hold her dear, 

That tho she rose to greater heights, we like to feel her 
here. 

To feel her gentle presence, her influence for good, 

So we can stand for Principle, as brave and firm she 
stood. 

I wonder if she knows, that the joy and love and mirth, 
The good that she reflected, has given us new birth; 

And lifted thought to better things,to things as yet unseen, 
To Truth and Love eternal, that which has always been. 


I wonder if she knows, that as she traveled thro 
And seemed to stay a little while, her great work here 
to do; 

That hearts of loving gratitude, and praise to God above, 
Will carry on the work she left, with hearts filled full of 
love. 


4 


True Nature 


Can st hear the song-birds singing 
A’singing in the trees, 

Can’st hear the glad bells ringing, 
And the humming of the the bees? 

Can st see the roses blooming. 

And smell their fragrance sweet. 
And hear the church bells booming, 
To welcome and to greet? 

Can’st hear the cows a’lowing. 

See the milk-maid with her stool, 
And the children’s faces glowing 
As they hurry off to school? 

Can’st see the sunshine streaming 
Around that bed of pain? 

And see that wan face beaming 
As she thinks, ’Tis not in vain! 

Can’st see all nature breathing 
Of beauties yet unseen. 

Of love, and peace, and gladness, 
Of what has always been? 

Can’st hear the angels singing 
O’er the hill-tops far above? 

As with joyous voices ringing, 

They tell us, God is Love. 


5 


At the Crossroads 


We stood at the crossroads my dear ones and I, 
And wondered which road we should take, 

The finger post pointed in different ways 
And we wanted to make no mistake. 

The path down the hill looked bright and gay, 
Where the lights of the city glowed, 

But still we doubted if that was the way 
To find the sure right road. 

For the other path was narrow and straight 
And the ground was sharp and rough, 

And we seemed to want to try that way 
But it didn’t seem easy enough. 

So we settled the question, and after much thought 
Which seemed quite the very best way, 

We decided to try the path that was rough, 

Tho we wanted the path that was gay. 

So we started up the path that was straight, 

But often we stopped to look down. 

And we stumbled and fell, while all the time 
We thought of the lights in that town. 

Tho the journey was long, a lesson we gained, 
There was much to see and to know, 

After wasting much time we had to learn 
That he who would reap, must sow. 


6 


So after what seemed many endless days, 

We stopped on our journey to think, 

And finally came to the parting of ways, 

For our rest and food and drink. 

And we found ourselves at the crossroads again. 
We had gone the same way round, 

By drifting about, and looking back, 

We had covered the same old ground. 

On that journey we started a party of four, 

We came back a party of three. 

One of my dear ones had seen the light. 

Where it led she wanted to be. 

And she stood from afar, and beckoned us on 
With a radiant smile on her face. 

And pointed out the road we should take 
That would lead to our rightful place. 

And now we have started our journey again 
And our steps are light and free, 

And she seems to say, as she beckons us on, 

’Tis the Father’s love that is guiding thee. 


7 


Rest in Work 


There is never a cloudy day 
But what the sun shines thro, 

There is never a tired heart 
But finds there is work to do: 
There is never an ache or pain 
Or an outlook seeming dim, 

That Love does not meet and bless 
So long as we trust in Him. 


For the sun has always shined 
And our lives were always bright, 
To the one who knows the Father 
There always has been light. 

And the pain is only the seeming. 
And the ache was never true, 

You have only to know the Father 
And the work you have yet to do. 


So waste not the golden hours 
The moments are precious too, 

God gave us today and tomorrow, 
And there’s plenty of work to do: 
So never can ill befall us 
And never a tear can dim. 

Our strength is what He gave us. 
Our courage we owe to Him. 


8 


What is Death? 


What is death? ’Tis the death of the false, 
The awaking from trouble and pain, 

’Tis the leaving behind this dream of life, 
’Tis the being born again. 


’Tis only the rising up and out 
Of this dream of sorrow and strife, 
The carrying on of a work begun, 
There’s no change, for all is Life. 


There is no death! our God who is Life 
Never made man to suffer and die, 

There is only the peace, the calm and rest. 
Which is here, and now, and nigh. 


9 


The Perfect Day 


Night:—and the world is sleeping, 

And covered with soft moonbeams, 

Poor tired humanity slumbers, 

And thinks, and suffers, and dreams. 

Dawn:—and the world is peeping 
Out from soft roseate skies, 

And all the world is joyous 
As the old day wanes and dies. 

Noon:—and the sun is shining 
Bathing all nature with light. 

And there’s plenty of play and work, 

While the world seems happy and bright. 

Evening’s soft twilight is glowing, 

And it seems to whisper, peace: 

And harmony Love bestowing. 

Gives us rest, as our labors cease. 

And the night and dawn, the noon and eve, 
Go to make up one perfect day, 

For to live and be grateful, laugh and work. 
Is really the very best way. 


10 


Star of Bethlehem 


A light is shining in the east, 

Its radiance gleams afar; 

Come one and all your eyes to feast, 

It is the Bethlehem star. 

Whence came these riders, wise men three, 
Is their mission peace or war? 

’Tis the Judea child they came to see, 
They follow the Bethlehem star. 

Lead on thou holy shining star 
And guide these dauntless men, 

No power can their purpose mar, 

Lead on! to Bethlehem. 

At last a manger poor they see. 

The star hath led them there; 

And gratefully, on bended knee, 

They bow in silent prayer. 

In heavenly strain the angels sing 
“Peace and good will to men”, 

Good tidings of great joy we bring 
This day, to Bethlehem. 

“For unto us a son is born”,* 

Where peace and love abide, 

In manger lies, this Easter morn, 

The holy Bethlehem child. 


*Isaiah 9:6. 


11 


A Child’s Faith 


“Did God make the birdies?” the little one asked, 
As he perched on his mother’s knee. 

And he bent his curly golden head 
Oe’r the window, the bird to see. 

“Yes, God made the birdies,” the mother replied 
As she stroked his curly head, 

And He made all the plants and flowers too,” 
She softly and lovingly said. 

And who made our little dog Trim?” he asked, 
With big and wondering eyes, 

“For I feel quite sure he is too big 
To have ever come out of the skies.” 

“There is nothing too little, or nothing too big. 

Or nothing too great,” she said, 

For the loving Father who cares for us all, 

Tis He who gives us bread.” 

Then a thoughtful look stole over his face, 

And his little brows knit in a frown, 

“If God does all those wonderful things, 

Won’t He drop my papa down?” 

Two teardrops fell on the little white hand 
That rested on mother’s knee, 

“He’s happier there, and free from care, 

So he needn’t come back, you see.” 

“Dear God,” he said, as he prayed that night 
With eyes so wondrous to see, 

“I am glad you are taking care of my dad, 

And my mamma, and Trim, and me.” 

12 


A Mother’s Love 


I am joyous, ever joyous! 

And all nature gladdens me, 

And the birds and trees and flowers. 
Bring me messages of thee. 

Thou art radiant, ever radiant! 

And thy presence hovers near, 

And the angels seem to whisper 
Do not grieve; for she is here. 

All is peaceful, ever peaceful! 
While I seem to hear your voice 
Like the sound of many harpstrings. 
Bidding me, Rejoice, Rejoice! 

I shall love thee, ever love thee! 

’Till this heart shall cease to beat, 
’Till I wake, and waking greet thee, 
For I know, we two shall meet. 


13 


To Her Memory! 

I sang her to sleep, at close of day, 

With her little hand clasped in mine, 

And the angels came and bore her away, 

To that land of bright sunshine. 

She seemingly left us; but know we well 
No power her life could destroy, 

And we miss her; yea, more than words can tell, 
But we know that she rose with joy. 


14 


To the Church 


Can we doubt it was love did inspire 
Those builders so strong and so true, 
That worked with such hearts of gladness 
To build the dear church for you? 

Can we doubt that it lifts thought higher. 
As we worship, with prayer for grace, 
And we feel its atmosphere holy. 

And see joy writ on every face? 

Can we doubt why all hearts are united 
In one strong and brotherly tie, 

As hands are outstretched in welcome. 
While a Presence unseen hovers nigh? 

Can we doubt why each weary pilgrim 
Finds shelter and rest within, 

As they know they have found the haven 
From a world of sorrow and sin? 

Just because from its lofty summit, 

From its dome and its spire above, 

With a modesty, meekness and granduer, 
It just speaks, of a God who is Love. 


15 


What Can I Do Today? 


What can I do for you now my Father, 
What can I do today, 

How can I show my gratitude Father, 
How can I ever repay? 

Show me how to be meek my Father, 
Teach me how to be strong; 

Show me how to distinguish Father, 
Between the right and the wrong. 

Help me more love to show my Father, 
Help me to be more kind; 

Show me how to reflect, my Father, 
More of the infinite Mind. 

Teach me to know true charity Father, 
How to forget and forgive; 

How to love mine enemies Father, 

Teach me how to live. 

Give me some work to do my Father, 
Something for Thee and Thine; 

Help me to help myself my Father, 

So that my light may shine. 

And help all to dwell in that light, 

Oh, glorious light divine; 

That shines for us, today and fore’er. 
Dear Father Mother mine. 


16 


Dreams 


In the garden of “youth” we were playing. 
And life seemed to bubble along, 

All nature with mirth and gladness 
Seemed to burst forth in joyous song. 

Mid’st the roses of “love” we were straying. 
And his voice echoed low and sweet, 

And it seemed as though fairies were dancing 
With light tripping, dainty feet. 

In a realm of “joy” we were basking 
Because of two bright blue eyes, 

She seemed to belong to the faries, 

They had brought her from Paradise. 

In the garden of “dreams” we were weeping. 
For it seemed that the faries came 
And danced away with our treasure, 

While the woods echoed brightly, her name. 

In the radiance of “Life” we are living. 

For the faries came back that night. 

And whispered, the angels took her! 

And now she basks in the light. 


17 


Lines to a Friend 

Whene’er I think of thee 
Around thy form her presence seems to linger, 
Like a link from out the sacred past. 

She thought thee wondrous kind; 

And cherished every word of fond endeavor 
You spoke to help her, on her way. 

His will be done! 

If she but helped to bring thee one step nearer 
To the light, ’twere not in vain. 

Lift up thine eyes; 

Behold her angel form, around thee hovering 
In mental realms, grown, oh so fair! 


18 


By the Sea 


As I sit by the murmuring sea waves, 
Glance over the horizon blue, 

Watch the sea gulls dip down o’er the ocean, 
I am thinking, my dear one, of you. 

A tall ship comes into my vision, 

And on deck there are brave hearts and true, 
And these faces all beaming with gladness 
Make me ponder, my dear one, on you. 

And I think of that master helmsman. 

That is safely guiding the crew. 

And I know that the same loving presence 
Is guarding and caring for you. 

Then the sun sinks down o’er the ocean, 
And the sea gulls homeward fly, 

And the ship glides by in the distance, 
While a golden glow fills all the sky; 

And I wonder out there by the sea waves. 

Is there anything old or new; 

Any sorrow or pain, any pleasure or gain. 
Can deprive me, my dear one, of you? 


19 


A Still Small Voice 


What is this still small voice that speaks 
When mortal sense is still? 

That bids us, listen and obey, 

Subdue the human will. 

What is it makes us want to show 
True charity to all? 

That makes us want to give and give 
Whene’ er this voice doth call. 

Why do we strive to know and know 
The love that knows no change? 

Because to conquer self we rise. 

And mount to higher range. 

Why is it that we cannot feel 
Security in sin? 

Because, we know at such a cost 
We cannot enter in. 

So let us to this still small voice 
Forever list, and heed, 

And know, that only thus will be 
Supplied, our every need. 


20 


True Substance 


My substance is in spirit, 
And not in dust or clod; 

I know I have been always. 
The perfect child of God. 


My life it is eternal. 

For God is e’er the same. 
He is my shield and Saviour, 
Blessed be His holy name. 


I know I’ve pre-existed, 

Since e’er the Word He spake, 
For nothing to it can we add. 
Nor from it can we take. 

And so we live forever, 

And ever, ever on, 

Till some day we awake in 
The likeness of His son. 


So nothing happens ever, 

For matter cannot bind. 

In Him we live, and move, and breathe, 
In the eternal Mind. 


21 


Supposed to be from my Children 


Could you but see us mother, so joyous and so free, 

You would not grieve our mother, we are so close to thee. 
There is no separation, there is no want nor lack; 

Could you but see us mother, you would not want us 
back. 


There is no death our mother, ’twas but a dream we had, 
We woke to Life dear mother, this need not make you 
sad? 

In God’s eternal sunshine, we drink the live-long day, 
His eye is on us mother, and on you too, alway. 


Wait patiently dear mother, and do the Father’s will, 

He will in time, in His own way, your cup with blessings 

fill. 

Take up the cross, and it will lead to where the crown 
awaits, 

And we’ll be waiting mother, yes, just within the gates. 


There will be no more sorrow, nor grief, nor tears, nor 
pain; 

’Tis worth the struggle mother, to meet, nor part again. 
And so we journey mother, together, side by side, 

You cannot lose us mother, while you in God abide. 


22 


Look up, the sun is shining, it but reflects the light 
Of home, and peace, and heaven, wherein there is no 
night; 

For God is Love, and God is Life, and God is all in all. 
He folds us in His loving arms, who marks the sparrow’s 
fall. 


So when your work is finished, and your earth-dream 
shall break; 

Be sure He finds you watching, faithful, alert, awake; 
And in his arms he’ll bear you, His blessed beloved son, 
Where we await to welcome, our hearts’ best, dearest one. 


23 


Golden Silence 


The golden silence of this wondrous night. 

The moon and stars in all their glory bright. 

The birds that twitter in their leafy bower; 
Bespeak the Love, that marks each passing hour. 

Yon’ mountain top, o’er which the roseate glow 
Is hovering, making glad the vale below, 

Is whispering, in meekness and in might, 

“I but reflect the Love that gives me light.” 

The lake that ripples just beyond my feet 
Tells me its story, oh so wondrous sweet! 

“The images you see reflected here 

Come from above, though God is everywhere.” 

A stately rose bush close beside me stands, 

A bud unfolds, as by some unseen hands, 

A tiny green leaf flutters to the earth, 

They seem to feel the Love that gave them birth. 

So far removed from earth and all its strife, 

I dwell apart, and feel the Truth, the Life 
That knows no taint of earth, no lack nor greed, 
The Love that waits to fill our every need. 

And as I gaze, my soul is filled with bliss, 

My heart o’erflows, oh, do I ask amiss? 

While looking up to Him, my prayer be— 
“Father, make me worthy, to see myself in Thee.” 


24 


Thou Lone Star 


Please tell me your secret, you lone little star, 
Why hide in the dusky glow, 

Why blink to yourself so modest and sweet, 

Why not tell us all you know? 

Your comrades are clustered together, afar 
They seem to be circled in light; 

Come tell me! why is it you blink alone. 

Why are you so lonely tonight? 

What is it that chains you, you tiny star, 

What is it on which you gaze? 

That bright little eye was only meant 
To twinkle with smiles, not tears. 

Mayhap thou art seeing some sorrow great. 
Mayhap ’tis some bed of pain; 

Or maybe some struggle of strife and hate 
Or maybe of greed and gain. 

Why gaze at the sorrow, thou sweet little star, 
Why not at the joyous and bright? 

There is plenty of good in this world you know, 
To make you feel happy tonight. 

So please join your comrades you lone little star, 
And add to their radiance bright, 

Your glorious twinkle, ’twill help to glow 
And reflect in this world, more light. 


25 


The Saviour’s Message 


Come unto me, the Saviour said 
(Who knew not where to lay his head) 
My lambs I gather to my breast, 

Come! And I will give you rest< 

I am the living bread of Life, 

I lift thee far above all strife, 

I heal thy sorrow and thy sin, 

Be true! If thou would’st enter in. 

I stand and knock upon thy door, 

I give to all, both rich and poor, 

I heal the sick, the deaf, the lame, 

I do it all, in His dear name. 

As often as you eat my bread 
Vou r following me, the Saviour said. 
As often as you drink my cup, 

I will come in, and with you sup. 

The world will persecution give 
But faithful be, and thou shalt live, 

Take up the cross, be not cast down, 
And thou shalt win, and wear the crown. 

If faithful e’en to death art thou, 

My name I’ll write upon thy brow, 

And everlasting life shall be 
Thine heritage—eternity! 


26 


Thy loved ones all are safe in me, 
I’m watching over them and thee, 
And some day I will call thee home 
To share with them, of joy the sum. 

Press on, and nothing daunted be, 
’Tis I, the Christ, that helpth thee. 

Be not afraid! this hand outstretched, 
Shall gather thee unto my breast. 


27 


The Perfect Concept 


I’ve conceived such a beautiful picture, 
’Tis divine, so the artist said, 

Such wonderful form and color, 

Such a blending of gold and red. 

I see a beautiful landscape 
With a sward of emerald green, 

There are birds and trees and flowers. 
Such hues I never have seen. 

Oh, paint us this beautiful picture, 
These glories that you have outlined; 
I’ll try, but I cannot do justice, 

To the idea conceived in my mind. 

I’ll show you my highest concept. 

At best it can never portray 
The glorious picture within me, 

Which is real, and must live alway. 

So he painted his beautiful picture 
While divine Love guided his hand, 

And he brought out his highest concept, 
Of tree and color and land. 

Then he eagerly gazed at his picture, 
But he sadly shook his head, 

Tis not as I see it within me, 

There’s no blending of gold in this red. 


28 


There’s no joy in this painted landscape. 
There’s no smile in my roses red. 

There’s no hush in the golden sunshine. 
There’s no life here at all, he said. 

So he took his beautiful picture 
And tore it in twain and in twain, 

I’ll keep my perfect concept. 

For with me that must always remain. 

And as he gazed at the fragments 
That littered the carpet blue. 

He said in a voice of gladness. 

The real was never in you. 


29 


Acrostic 

Heaven called thee, child of sunshine 
And the angels bore thee high, 

Nigh to Him with loving welcome 
And with tender lullaby; 

Have we then the right to sigh? 


30 


Be Still and Know 


I too have conceived a poem. 

Its theme is inspired, sublime; 

Write! bids a voice within me, 

These thoughts are not yours, but mine. 

Give out to the world my message. 

To thine ever self, be true, 

Hide not your light ’neath a bushel, 
There is work in my vineyard for you. 

I give to all crumbs of comfort, 
Expressed in sermon or song. 

The race is not to the shiftless 
But to the faithful and strong. 

“Oh Love divine, please guide me. 
Our sorrows will seem so real, 

I fully trust in Thine infinite love, 

I know it cannot fail.** 

Be still! speaks the voice within me. 
And know that I am God, 

My work it is to save and bless, 

Pass, ’neath my chastening rod. 


31 


The Five Senses 


Seeing 

Look out upon the universe, and tell us what you see, 
How far thy stretch of naked eye, how wide thy vision be; 
How much of beauty could’st thou know if aught should’st 
dim thy sight, 

How could st thou see the sunshine, if thou had’st not the 
light? 


Hearing 

What dost thou hear out in this world of stress and din 
and strife, 

What message doth it bring thee, of Truth, and Love, and 
Life? 

How can st thou hear the real voice, that speaks to thee 
within, 

Amid the rush and scurry, amid the noise and din? 


Smelling and Tasting 

How can’st thou smell the fragrance of rose and ’bower 
sweet, 

When noxious odors do intrude upon thy calm retreat? 

How can st thou taste of heaven and earn thy soul’s 
release, 

When bitter memories return, to mar thy joy and peace? 

Feeling 

How can st thou feel the feathery touch of Love’s soft 
healing balm, 

When hate and pain and sorrow, try to overthrow thy 
calm? 

The Spirit’s true perception, which lifts above the sod. 

Bids to all sense. Be silent! And walk thou with thy God! 

32 


The Cactus and the Rose 


A cactus and a rose bush. 

Together side by side, 

Grew in a lonely garden. 

Where no one ever hied. 

Said the cactus to the rose bush, 

“I often wonder why 

You waste your fragrant sweetness. 

Where no one passes by.” 

Said the rose bush to the cactus, 
‘‘My joy is all within; 

I love my fragrant sweetness, 

E’en tho I ne’er am seen.” 

‘‘I too would fain be happy,” 

Said the cactus to the rose, 

‘‘But I’m so straight and ugly. 
Could I? do you suppose?” 

That night a tender rose bush 
Plucked her one blossom red, 

And stealing ’hind the cactus, 

She placed it on his head. 

The morning’s sunshine glistened 
Upon a cactus fair, 

While a selfless little rose bush, 
Stood plain and brown and bare. 


33 


The New Old Story 


On an April day, 

“In her own sweet way,’* 

My grandmother told me a story; 

Of a shepherd lad bold 
With curls of gold, 

And she called him, the Lord of glory. 


He taught men to pray 
In his simple way. 

And they marvelled at so much learning, 
From whence did it come? 

They asked one by one, 

For his words in their hearts were burning. 


And then came a day 
When he said, “I’m the way. 

The truth, and the life, your Messiah; 
By my fruits you shall see, 

That indeed, I am he, 

I have come to teach men to go higher. 


And then came a day, 

“Ah me! Lack a day!” 

That with cords and with hatred they bound 
him. 

And they crowned him with thorns. 

Amid laughter and scorns, 

Because of the truth that he taught them. 


34 


Twas a glorious day, 

“I heard grandmother say” 

For this wonderful saviour of grace; 

When his earth life he gave, 

A loved world to save, 

That men might their wrong steps retrace. 

Oh grandmother! pray 
Do tell me! I say. 

Where now is this Lord of glory? 

He is dwelling above 
In a realm of love; 

That as far as I know of the story. 

So dearie, I pray 
That you too some day. 

When like me you’ve grown old and hoary, 
To the listening ear 
Of some grand child dear, 

May be telling the old sweet story; 

Of this shepherd lad 
Who came from God, 

And was born in a manger lowly, 

Who rose above hate, 

To his native estate. 

To the radiance of His, God’s glory. 


35 


Our Refuge 


A tiny boat just caught in a storm, 

A man and a maid inside, 

A lowering sky, and waves tossed high. 

Oh God help us both, he cried. 

Shall we row abreast of the waves, she asked. 
Or shall we ride above? 

Let us rest on the bosom of God, he said. 

Let us rest in the allness of Love. 

Shall we pray for the light by which to see, 
If aught of danger is near? 

No harm can befall, for God is all, 

Where He is, we’ve naught to fear. 

Just then the dawn peeped out above, 

A ship in the distance cheered, 

And faces glowed, and gratitude flowed, 
From the hearts of a man and maid. 


36 


Our Daystar 


Oh, for the peace that knoweth no sorrow 
And for the calm that knoweth no stress; 
Oh, for the day that knows no tomorrow. 
That never waneth, but rises to bless! 

Oh, for the love that knoweth no hate, 

And for the health, that knoweth no pain. 
Oh, for the faith that knows how to wait 
For that which maketh us whole again. 

Oh, for the truth our conscience to fill. 

And for the wisdom that guideth aright. 
Out of all woe, and error, and ill. 

Out of the darkness, into the light. 

Oh, to discern the love and the truth, 

The presence of Him, who giveth us breath, 
To know the joy of perennial youth. 

That radiant Life, that knoweth no death. 


37 


My Vision 


The writer has tried to present, as clearly as possible, 
(in the following lines), a vision, or dream, 
which was her own experience. 

I stand at the foot of the ascent 
The path seems rough and steep, 

Can I climb to the top of that mountain? 
Can my feet their sureness keep? 

The path seems rough and narrow. 

The way seems very dark, 

Oh for some light on my journey, 

If even a tiny spark! 

My soul breathed a silent prayer 
As I started my upward climb. 

And I struggled and stumbled, but I knew 
I was gaining all the time. 

And my hands grasped thorn and bramble, 
As I struck out left and right. 

But my eyes were fixed on the summit. 

For there would I find the light! 

And down there m the darkness 
At the foot of the vale below, 

Was one who was trying to follow, 

And I longed to help her so. 

But I knew that Love would guide her 
Just as it guided me; 

Would show her the way in the darkness, 
Would show her how to be free. 


38 


And just ahead in my pathway, 

There fluttered a vision white. 

And I seemed to follow this vision 
That was leading out of the night; 

And then there came such brightness, 

I stood on a wide green plane, 

And the vision was gone, but I knew 
This loss would be my gain. 

And then I awoke, but I seemed to know 
That my work was just begun, 

For the mist is not quite broken. 

The race is not quite run; 

But where the vision left me, 

Right there I’m going to stand, 

And in reaching out I’ll find, I know, 

God’s outstretched, helping hand. 

And the vanishing night, and the beacon light. 
Are the unreal and the real, 

For the first is the mist of material sense, 

But the other cannot fail. 

And the vision white, and the beacon light, 
Are pointing above the sod. 

To Truth and Love and eternal Life, 

To the ever-living God. 


39 


The Awakening 


I fell asleep! but Oh the peace 
That came with parting breath, 

I fell asleep, but woke to Life! 

Is this what men call death? 

Thou senseless form, and lifeless clay. 
Grim harbinger of strife. 

What canst thou know of truth and love, 
What canst thou know of Life? 

Thou mortal thought made manifest, 
Thou serpent’s biggest lie. 

Behold my conscious self, and know 
That Life can never die. 

Oh hearts bowed down with sadness 
From which all joy seems fled, 

Lift up your hearts with gladness, 

Just know there is no dead! 

The radiant dawn and endless day 
Is part of God’s great plan, 

Which unifies the universe 
With God, and perfect man. 

Lo! grave where is thy victory? 

I live above the sod. 

And know that my immortal self 
Is hid with Christ, in God. 


40 


Father, I Thank Thee! 


Father, I thank Thee that I know 
That all is Love; and as we grow, 

This love finds wider range, and will expand 
To strengthen hope, to steady heart and hand. 

Father, I thank Thee! For I feel 
That all is Truth. In woe or weal 
I 11 stand for Truth, and never count the cost. 
Leave all for Christ, and count the world well lost. 

Father, I thank Thee! For 1 see 
That all is Life, joy, bliss, eternity. 

And as the symbols disappear, the mists of night 
Melt into dawn, and all is radiant light. 

Father, I thank Thee with each breath. 

That all is Life, there is no death! 

For in this love-lit universe of perfect mind. 

We can no lack, no imperfection find. 

Humbly I thank Thee, Father mine, 

*“That Thou hast heard me!” Love divine, 

Lift me above earth’s sordid thought today, 

This Truth to know, ’’Thou hearest me alway!” 


John 11:41-42. 


41 


Truth’s Reappearing 


Behold, the dawn is breaking. 
That ushers in the morn; 

Which dates the Truth’s appearing. 
When Christ, the child, was born. 

Ring out, ye peals of gladness. 

Your joy proclaim again 
This date of Truth’s appearing, 
(Peace and good will to men). 

Oh earth, receive this message, 

And sorrowing hearts that ache. 
Truth’s ever reappearing, 

The mists of earth can break. 

Ye hosts of heaven proclaim it, 
Ye angel band so fair, 

Today Truth’s reappearing 
Is echoing everywhere. 

And now beside a sepulchre 
Two white robed angels stand. 

He is not here, but risen. 

And sits at God’s right hand. 

Oh risen Christ right here and now. 
Be thou our help today. 

Bright Spirit’s reappearing. 

Be Thou our guide alway. 


42 


Having Eyes, Ye See 


In the calm and quiet of midnight. 

When all the world is asleep, 

I know but Thy will, feel Thy “Peace be still” 

While stars their love vigil keep. 

And I think of the privilege holy 
Of prophet, disciple and seer; 

Who had heard and had seen, with Spirit’s sense 
keen. 

The truths that lift above care. 

And then right there, just above me, 

With eyes closed fast to the night, 

I see clouds of blue, and know that I too. 

Have had a glimpse of the light. 

And I see in this vision a symbol, 

A lesson for me, and for you, 

For this firmament wide is the line, ‘twill divide 
The false and unreal, from the true. 

So we know ’tis the mists of error, 

Which bring us the darkness and night, 

But the soul sense can’t fail, for that vision is real, 
Of a universe clothed in light. 

Oh, may I again be found worthy, 

(To be such a channel for love) 

That in spite of the dim, through my oneness with 
Him, 

I’ll again see those blue clouds above. 

43 


Song of the Cuckoo 


Cuckoo sing! And I shall listen 
To the carol of thy lay, 

I could hear thee, joyous song bird. 
All the live-long day. 

Golden-throated happy starling, 
Bright-plumed monarch of the air. 
Thou art glorious in thy freedom 
From all pain, and care. 

Cuckoo sing! And when thou’rt tired, 
Spread each gold and purple wing. 
Use thy glorious, true dominion, 

Love hath crowned thee, king. 

King of all the open heavens. 

Of the earth and air and sea. 
Song-bird, we will fly together 
Some day, you and me. 

And you’ll rest me on your pinions 
As we onward, upward soar, 

And you’ll sing for me my song-bird, 
As you never sang before. 

Cuckoo sing! I love to listen 
And to dream the whole day long, 
And to build my hopes of heaven 
On your wondrous song! 


44 


A True Shepherd 


Shepherd! count thy flock! 

There are missing some: 

But through waiting, patient waiting. 

More will come. 

Shepherd! count thy flock! 

Few are missing, see? 

Through thy loving, all are coming 
Home, to thee. 

Shepherd! count thy flock! 

Any missing? None! 

Thou wilt guard them, and reward them. 
All are home. 

Shepherd! see thy flock! 

None are hungry, cold, 

For there now is but one shepherd, 

And one fold. 


45 


Eternity 


Time, thou’rt but a mortal concept, 
Place, ’tis where God’s children are, 
Ever shadowing forth His glory, 
Which no sense of time can mar. 

Spirit’s day, it is the only; 

Night, thou’rt but a phantom dream. 
Which will vanish with the rising 
Of the first faint morning’s beam. 

Space, ’tis but a human concept 
By the infinite Mind unknown. 

Now, we have His love and presence, 
Here His children, Spirit’s own. 

One long day of Life irradiant 
Wherein there can be no night, 

Serves as aid for love’s unfoldment 
To the good, where all is light. 

Mind immortal! we are dwelling 
Ever in Thy perfect sphere; 

Here we have of joy aplenty, 

And of love, enough to spare. 

Let us make the most we can, then, 
Of our time, as now appears; 

Let us use it for unfoldment, 

Counting time by soul-filled years. 


46 


Man awake! The mist is breaking; 
See, God’s glory fills all space, 

Man is now God’s pure reflection, 

Man is ever in his place. 

Time, and place, and space—illusions! 
Naught of error can befall; 

Love is real, and Life eternal, 

Mind is here, and now and all. 


47 


Acrostic 

Darkness has fled, the light has shined 
And a glorious dawn awaits thee; 

In the realm of the real, thy loved ones wait 
So joyously there to greet thee, 

Your bliss eternally will be. 

Life but began where the earth dream broke, 
i You know now, that peace reigns above; 

On that beautiful morn you only awoke 
Not to death, but to Life Truth and Love. 


48 


Suplication 


In the straight and narrow path of life 
Help me to walk, dear God, 

To grow in spite of storm and strife. 

To welcome thy chastening rod. 

Help me to see thro errors night 
The glorious dawn just ahead, 

That heralds a day of endless light 
From which will darkness have fled. 

And now may I close my little book 
With my verses inspired by thought, 

And as thru its pages some day you look, 
May you get the light I caught. 

In the straight and narrow path of life 
Help them to walk, Father mine; 

To grow in spite of storm and strife, 

To find thy kingdom divine. 

FINIS. 


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